Ten Myths About Cut Car Key That Aren't Always True

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern automobile keys made near me. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car key cutting service safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the mobile key cutting. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key cut replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.